JUBA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese government said on Friday that about 71 people, including soldiers, had been killed in communal clashes in Lakes State.
The death toll from Friday's clashes that erupted in Rumbek town between rival communities is expected to rise, according to the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services.
"According to preliminary reports, approximately 71 people were killed, although the exact number of fatalities and injuries is yet to be verified," said the ministry in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The statement added that four soldiers including a captain and three non-commissioned officers were killed, and that joint security forces of the army, police and intelligence have been deployed to restore calm in Rumbek.
"Rumbek town is currently under the control of government security forces, and efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy and enhance the safety and protection of civilians and their property," the statement said.
Some of the armed warring civilians have been apprehended and four firearms recovered, according to the official statement. ■
